The following are a sample of questions that potential clients have concerns about.

Q: I have read details of your services. I definitely want more than just accounts and tax returns. How can a small firm like yours service all my needs?

A: We have a network of contacts that specialise in particular fields ie experts in pensions, mortgages, personal and business insurances, inheritance tax planning, offshore tax planning etc. We get feedback from our clients and this is carefully monitored. We are also members of the 2020 Group. This is a network of accountants who can provide recommendations in nearly all fields that you could possibly require in the running of your business.

Q: Do you offer any additional services, which set you apart from your competition?

A: You tell us what you want and we will tailor a service specifically for your needs. We often find that clients aren’t always able to identify exactly what the problem is. That’s why we offer free telephone support and meetings, so that you can discuss current issues with us. We have time for you.

Q: Specifically name four great services that I can benefit from that your competitors rarely do.

A:  See below

1) Benchmarking report

A fantastic 20 page report. Based on your financial results it compares them to others in your industry. Complete with graphs, commentary and recommendations on how to improve profitability, productivity etc. Click here for a sample.

2) Overview Service

Do you want someone to review your accounting software to make sure you are posting things correctly but don’t want to pay your accountants travel time? We have the technology now, whereby we can access your network remotely. You benefit from a great service, at a cheaper cost and gain peace of mind. Geographical distance between client and accountant is therefore no longer an issue, especially with email and modern telephone technology.

3) Graphical Service

Does your accountant give you a lengthy document to sign every year? Can you comprehend what the numbers and terminology mean? Don’t worry, you are in the majority. We provide an explanation of key terms and translate the results in a graphical format. Contact us for a sample.

4) Financial Review Consultancy Program

An extension of the graphical service. Would you benefit from accurate and timely information in order to make informed decisions on the running of your business? Would you like to select your key figures and then have them monitored graphically each month? Isn’t it much better to catch any potential problems when they are small rather than to wait until you get the annual accounts (which are months out of date?) If so, we can help. This is a totally unique service. You won’t find this on any other accounting website. Contact us to discuss further. 

Q: I have previously found that accountants are poor in responding to my telephone calls. What guarantees have I got?

A: It is inevitable that we will not always be in the office. We may be helping clients at their offices or meeting new contacts, in a manner similar to most business owners. We can access your emails at home and all clients are given our personal mobile number. Rest assured, client service is our very top priority.

Q: I am only a small trader. You probably have many large clients and will not be able to service me.

A: We do act for many sole traders, a few of which only work part time. All clients are treated equally.

Q: How do you manage to quote for a fixed fee if you haven’t seen my records?

A: Through experience of quoting and preparing accounts we can get a feel for the category that you fall in. If we underestimate the work then you gain. We tell you exactly what is included in the price so you know where you are.

Q: Will you charge a low fee for the first year in order to entice me in and then increase it massively in the second year like car insurance companies do?

A: No, if your business is roughly the same size, there will not be a large fee increase. Fixed fees are agreed in advance. We prefer to take a long term view.

Q: Is there any way that the fee can be reduced?

A: Yes, by increasing the quality of your bookkeeping, the year end accounts fee can be reduced. We can help implement systems for you. Alternatively, you can outsource the whole accounting function to us. This will enable you to focus more on the running of your business rather than worrying about potential fines and penalties. By employing a bookkeeper you may have to concern yourself with employment legislation and the increasing rights of employees. 

Q: How have you managed to provide the reports on the website for free? What is the catch?

A: There is no catch. We recognise that the world wide web is primarily a means to find out information rather than a sales vehicle. We take a long term view of profitability and aim to keep all of our valued clients for ever.

Q: I have read the help sheets and there is something I don’t understand. Can I email you a question even though I am not a client?

A: Yes.

Q: I might be interested in changing my accountant but it is a big step for me. I don’t know how to compare accountants.